There will be a furrow without quarterback Aidan O’Connell as the team prepares for the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan.
O’Connell wrote on social media that his brother Sean had died. He did not return to campus after the team defeated Indiana on Saturday.
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Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell, #16, runs from Indiana’s James Head Jr., second right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Bloomington, Indiana.
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
“My family and I would like to express our gratitude for the love and support we have received over the past few days,” he said in a statement. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of my older brother Sean. Sean was not only one of Purdue’s biggest football fans, but also the best son, brother and friend. He lit up any room he walked into and he knew it all , that he testifies to his infectious joy.”
Near the end of the game against Indiana, O’Connell was seen crying into a towel on the bench. The cause of the brother’s death has not been disclosed.
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell, #16, throws during the first half of an NCAA football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Bloomington, Indiana.
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Purdue coach Jeff Brohm talked about McConnell’s performance on Monday.
“He played his heart out for his teammates and gave us a great effort,” he said. “Obviously he’s got things to deal with this week, but we’ll be there to support him and whenever we get him back to work, we look forward to it.”
It is unclear whether O’Connell will return to the field. Brohm said he believes the sixth-year senior will play Saturday vs Michigan in the Big Ten the name of the game.
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell, #16, throws against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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“He is a special person. I feel like anybody who knows him knows guys like that don’t come around all the time,” Purdue tight end Payne Durham said. “He does not identify himself as a football player. He is a man of faith who wants to do things for other people.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
